Sending money to Japan is fast and affordable when you choose the right provider. This guide compares the best ways to transfer money to Japanese bank accounts, including Wise, OFX, XE, and more.
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Understanding the Table:
The comparison table above helps you see the total cost of your currency transaction by showing the exchange rates offered by different providers. It also makes it easy to spot potential savings from market-leading FX services compared to bank rates.
To see a full list of available providers, simply enter your transaction type, details and click ‘GET RATES’.
Sending money to Japan doesn’t have to be expensive. Whether you’re supporting family, paying tuition, or doing business, choosing the right provider can save you thousands in fees and exchange rate margins.
In this guide, we compare the best ways to transfer money to Japan, including banks, online money transfer companies, and local payment methods.
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Here are top-rated services for transferring money to Japan:
| Provider | Fees | Exchange Rate | Transfer Speed | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wise | Low, transparent | Mid-market rate | Minutes to 1 day | Great for smaller transfers |
| OFX | Free over $1,000 | Small margin | 1–2 days | Good for large amounts |
| XE | None | Includes a spread | Same day–2 days | Flexible and reliable |
| Your Bank | $20–$50 typically | High margin | 2–5 days | Convenient but expensive |
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• Currency: Japanese Yen (JPY)
• Common payment methods: Bank transfer (SWIFT), debit/credit card, local bank payout
• Bank codes in Japan: Transfers to Japanese banks usually require a SWIFT/BIC code and full bank account number. Japan does not use IBANs.
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Most transfers to Japan go directly into local bank accounts such as:
• MUFG (Mitsubishi UFJ)
• SMBC (Sumitomo Mitsui)
• Mizuho Bank
• Japan Post Bank
Make sure the recipient’s full name, bank name, branch code, and account number are accurate. Transfers using incorrect information can be delayed or rejected.
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Despite its reputation for cutting-edge technology, Japan still relies heavily on cash for everyday transactions. While digital payments and international cards are increasingly accepted in cities, many smaller shops, restaurants, rural areas, and even clinics only take cash.
This means that when sending money to Japan, recipients often withdraw funds as physical yen. Make sure your transfer provider offers local bank deposit options, as this is the most convenient way for recipients to access cash.
If you’re traveling, consider converting some of your funds into cash ahead of time — see our Japan Currency Guide for advice on denominations, safety, and where to exchange money.
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• Avoid banks unless absolutely necessary — they often charge high fees and poor exchange rates.
• Use Wise or OFX for better rates and lower fees, especially for personal or business transfers.
• For recurring payments, set up rate alerts to lock in favorable rates.
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• Supporting family or friends
• Paying international students
• Settling invoices for business services or suppliers
• Transferring pensions or retirement income
• Buying property or funding relocation
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The exchange rate between the US Dollar (USD) and Japanese Yen (JPY) can fluctuate significantly.
• Today’s live JPY mid-market rate
• Set a rate alert to monitor for favorable changes.
• View the USD to JPY forecast for upcoming trends.
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🗾 Learn More About Japan and the Japanese Yen
Before sending money to Japan, it’s helpful to understand how the Japanese yen (JPY) works, including its denominations, exchange rate behavior, and common uses. Visit our Japan Currency Guide for practical tips, historical trends, and useful facts for travelers, expats, and businesses.
Before sending money to Japan, make sure to:
• ✅ Compare providers and check the total cost (rate + fee)
• ✅ Confirm recipient details
• ✅ Choose a provider with clear support if something goes wrong
• ✅ Check for any Japanese bank limits or charges on incoming international payments
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